PODCAST · news
The Common
by WBUR
Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.
Episodes
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Summer is here, and so are cicadas
From mid-May to early June, a brood of periodical cicadas (Brood XIV) are emerging for the first time in 17 years. Today on The Common, WBUR Digital News Producer Katie Cole tells us everything we need to know about these noisy summer insects, and what makes this particular brood special. Also…
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From the newsroom: Lupe Fiasco makes music out of sculpture
This week Team Common is bringing you a story from WBUR arts and culture reporter Amelia Mason. It's a story about one of hip-hop's greatest wordsmiths Lupe Fiasco. Lupe, a visiting scholar at M.I.T., has been writing new music using the artwork on campus, and Amelia got the opportunity to talk…
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Talk a walk through Boston's LGBTQ+ history
In February, references to the words 'transgender' and 'queer' were quietly purged from various National Parks Service websites. That includes pages dedicated to Boston’s many national parks. Among the resources that were taken down from Boston’s National Parks was an audio tour of Downtown and...
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Things to do in May to help you enjoy Boston's blossoming spring
WBUR's Candice Springer shares three awesome, local events that will get you outside in May. Check them out: Big Queer Food Fest Boston Public Art Triennial WBUR Festival Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.
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A march to mark MLK Jr.'s 1965 Freedom Rally in Boston
Local organizers plan to mark MLK Jr.'s historic 1965 Freedom Rally in Boston by holding a march of their own. Journalist and Historian Dart Adams is the co-chair of Everyone250. The organization's mission is to highlight stories and histories that often get overlooked — especially during...
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Redux: Slow runner? Join the club!
Martinus Evans' doctor told him he either had to lose weight or risk early death. So he took up running - both out of necessity and perhaps a little spite. Evans has since run several marathons. He also founded the Slow AF Run Club, which is an organization meant to inspire and encourage runners…
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Local libraries encourage readers to hop on a retro trend: zines
Little self-published booklets known as 'zines' have long been a staple of DIY and counter-culture movements. They have deep roots in underground music scenes like punk. Today, zines are having a renaissance, with more DIY-ers returning to the medium to spread information and stories - as well as...
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Priests, nuns and cat burglars: The surprising history of Boston's anti-war movement
Catholic nuns and priests led Boston's anti-war movement during the Vietnam era. A new podcast tells the story of the lengths many Irish Catholics went through to protest the war — including breaking into official buildings to steal draft cards. The Common spoke to Host and Producer Brendan…
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Repair shop offers trip down memory lane with decades-old tech
When Tim Colegrove decided to open a computer repair store in 2021, it was partially because he was interested in entrepreneurship. He also really needed a place to keep the vintage computers and gear that were piling up in his home. So, The BYTE Shop was born: A computer repair shop AND museum…
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Symphony strings for the season of spring
WBUR contributing arts critic Lloyd Schwartz joins The Common to discuss classical music. The Somerville poet laureate and Fresh Air classical music critic also shares recommendations from his arts guide to Greater Boston classical events on offer this spring. Greater Boston’s weekly podcast…
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JustBook-Ish in Dorchester is one of several bookshops popping up to provide a 'third place' in our community.
When you walk in the doors of justBook-Ish in Fields Corner, it is immediately clear that it is more than just a bookshop. The space invites patrons to stay for a while. There is a bar with a menu of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Visitors can take a seat at the communal table and chairs, or...
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Comedian Bethany Van Delft on why Boston's comedy scene is 'hot' right now
Boston-based comedian Bethany Van Delft thinks the Boston comedy scene is having a moment. Five years since the pandemic began, she reflects on how it has impacted the comedy industry today from sold-out shows to a fervent demand for standup over what she calls "weird" comedy. Here are Van…
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Answering burning questions in Worcester
WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy drives to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to see its world-class fire lab. He sits down with internationally-recognized fire expert and head of the fire engineering department, Albert Simeoni. Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.
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Author on John Lewis's legacy and the split within the civil rights movement
WBUR's Darryl C. Murphy sat down with Historian, Author and Newton-native David Greenberg to discuss his latest biography "John Lewis: A Life." The book offers a deep look into the life of the Late John Lewis. The iconic civil rights activist eventually became one of the most revered politicians…
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For the first time, Boston residents get some say in how public money is spent
If you had $2 million to invest in your community, how would you spend it? If you’re a resident of Boston, you have until Feb. 15 to cast your vote in Boston’s first city-wide participatory budget. Participatory budgeting is when residents come together to collectively decide how to spend public...
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This February, celebrate Boston, Black icons and Bugs Bunny
If you're looking for some indoor activities during the month of February, WBUR's Candice Springer has a few film screenings to tell you about. The Coolidge Corner Theatre celebrates Black icons, the Wang Theater highlights home and things get 'Looney' at The Brattle. Also, check out a calendar…
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REWIND: Ringing in Lunar New Year with Boston's lion dancers
This interview originally aired on The Common in 2024. Chinatown's streets will come to life on Feb. 9 with thunderous drums and a clang of cymbals as nine lion dance troupes celebrate the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year Parade. WBUR's Cici Yu joined The Common to talk about the vibrant...
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In New England, climate change is moving fast. The fishing industry is not
The seafood industry in New England generates more than $20 billion in sales each year and employs more than a quarter million people. But WBUR’s climate and environment correspondent Barbara Moran found it’s not moving fast enough to meet the challenges of climate change, and a new Trump...
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Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in 2025
On January 20th, President Elect Donald Trump will take the reins from outgoing President Joe Biden and make his return to the Oval Office. But this Inauguration Day is a little different than most others, because it also falls on Dr. Martin Luther King Day. We saw this as an opportunity to step...
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Boston chefs say neurodiversity can be a superpower in the kitchen
Boston Globe's food reporter Kara Baskin spoke to multiple local chefs and restaurateurs who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia in school but thrive in the restaurant industry. They said their differences are their superpower. Darryl C. Murphy spoke with Baskin and Dan Bazzinotti, head chef at...
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New year, new goals, new can't-miss events
What do a "rage room," a thought-provoking play, and sandwich recipes of yesteryear have in common? They're all recommendations from Candice Springer, assistant director of WBUR CitySpace, for kicking off 2025. Candice joins Darryl to discuss these events and experiences, as well as share…
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New biography on hip-hop legend MF DOOM shines light on Boston influence
MF DOOM was a legendary emcee known for wearing a mask and keeping a distance from fame in a genre where artists usually embrace the spotlight. DOOM passed away in 2020, but his life is documented in a biography recently released called The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Hip-hop’s Masked...
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One family's journey from Haiti to Stoughton
Franz and Heroina Edouard and their family are among the thousands of Haitians who left their home country for a better life in the US, and made their way to Massachusetts. The Edouards shared their decades-long journey with WBUR reporter Simon Rios. Today on The Common, Simon joins us to tell us...
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Cozy up with a movie or comic book this December
It's been a minute, but Candice Springer, assistant director for WBUR CitySpace, is back to give you the low down on what's happening in the city this December. After a quick recap of the biggest musical movie event of the year ("Wicked"), here's what Candice recommends: Out and About in Boston...
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Keeping a native language alive
When Jessie Little Doe Baird was growing up on Cape Cod in the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, she didn’t have a relationship with her native language. Now, she reteaches her language to her community and family through the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, which she co-founded. Today on The…
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A closer look at abortion care
When a 2022 Supreme Court ruling ended nationwide protection for abortion access, Massachusetts abortion rights advocates predicted an influx of people from out of state seeking abortions. Now, WBUR's Martha Bebinger found the number of people who obtained abortion care from Massachusetts…
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How a second Trump presidency could impact Massachusetts
It's been a little over a week since President-elect Donald Trump won a second term in office over Vice President Kamala Harris. Regardless of how you feel about it, another Trump presidency is almost certain to leave a lasting impression on our political reality, including here in deep-blue...
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Introducing Boston's Office of Climate Resilience
In August, Mayor Michelle Wu introduced Boston's first Office of Climate Resilience. She appointed Chris Osgood, previously Chief of Staff and Chief of Streets, as the office's director. Osgood joined us in September to discuss what Bostonians can expect from the Office of Climate Resilience in…
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Don't be spooked by this election's BOO-llot questions
Happy Halloween! We wish you safe and spooky celebrations this week. That said, Tuesday, November 5th is the 2024 general election. And there is nothing scarier than getting to the polls unprepared. Five statewide ballot questions are before voters this November, and frighteningly, there are…
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An up-close look at Mass' first offshore wind project
Offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind are set to be a huge part of our state’s energy future. But for such a huge infrastructure project, it’s not that easy to get out and see for yourself. For one thing, you need to charter a boat to take you out to look at the Vineyard Wind turbines located...
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How Black Out performances promote inclusion in Boston theater
Boston's theater-goers are overwhelmingly white: 89%, according to a report by the nonprofit ArtsBoston. At the same time, more than half of the city's residents are people of color. Some theater companies are fostering inclusion with Black Out nights. Performances are taken off sale to the…
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Meet three artists from this year's "Makers" cohort
Each year, WBUR highlights a group of artists of color in Greater Boston. These "Makers" are spreading joy and building community while practicing their craft. We meet three of the artists from this year's cohort. Dancer Beth Mochizuki is helping dancers bring more of themselves to the stage with...
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Mass. coastal chemical sites lack basic safeguard against hurricanes
Experts say climate change is increasing the risk of a “double disaster” — a large-scale chemical spill caused by extreme weather. Massachusetts is especially vulnerable, as a coastal state with industrial ports. WBUR's senior investigative reporter Patrick Madden took a closer look at this risk…
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Stop and Shop wants you to stay and shop
On this episode of The Common, Boston Globe Reporter Diti Kohli breaks down the evolution of Stop and Shop, and where the grocery store is headed. Then, listen to an excerpt from host Darryl C. Murphy's WBUR CitySpace interview with Chef and TikTok influencer Jon Kung. ____ Stop and Shop opened a...
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A vibe check on Boston nightlife
Last spring, the City of Boston welcomed its inaugural Director of Nightlife Economy, Corean Reynolds. You might have heard some people refer to her as the “night czar,” though that’s not her official title. Now that she’s been in her position for a year, we wanted to catch up with her about some...
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The fight for equal education before busing
On September 12, 1974, Boston Public Schools bused the first students across town as a part of a highly controversial school integration program. The program was a result of Judge W. Arthur Garrity's federal court order that mandated that both black and white students be bused to schools outside…
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A president's impact on Mass. climate goals, plus music in September
On this episode of The Common, WBUR Climate and Environment Correspondent Barbara Moran joins the show to discuss what impacts the presidential candidates would have on Massachusetts' climate goals if they get elected. Then, we get suggestions for how to spend the month of September in Greater...
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Moving in? Know your rights
On this episode of The Common, tenant association leader and volunteer with City Life/Vida Urbana Selena Eutsay joins the show to discuss renters rights ahead of Boston's unofficial move-in day on the first of September. Then, producer Frannie Monahan hits the streets to talk to Boston residents...
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A side dish with WBUR's Deborah Becker
On this episode of The Common, Boston Globe Climate Reporter Erin Douglas joins the show to discuss how many Boston neighborhoods are built on artificial land, putting them at risk of flooding due climate change. Then, Team Common takes over the WBUR kitchen with senior correspondent Deborah...
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The many sharks of Massachusetts
On this episode of The Common, WBUR associate producer for digital Katie Cole joins the show to discuss Massachusetts' various shark species and the important role they play in our ocean ecosystem. Then, we sit down with author and podcast host Mark Cecil to talk about the value of deep...
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What Mass. lawmakers got done, and all the things they didn't
On this episode of The Common, WBUR State House reporter Walter Wuthmann joins host Darryl C. Murphy to recap the end of the state's legislative session. He tells us about the few bills that did get passed, and more importantly all the ones that didn't, and why. Then, Team Common hikes the Boston...
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Look, ma! No CharlieCard!
The Common is back. Thank you to the listeners who stuck around while we planned for our new weekly format, and if you're new here, welcome to the party! Today, WBUR transportation reporter Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez joins host Darryl C. Murphy to give us the full download on the MBTA's new...
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Could ‘Pee-Cycling’ Help Clean Cape Cod’s Water?
Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American. The past two days we’ve been…
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Cape Cod Weighs Big-Ticket Pollution Solutions
Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American. In today's episode, Barb looks at...
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Cape Cod Has a Big Septic Tank Problem
Team Common is still working on relaunching The Common as a longer weekly show. And we thank you so much for your patience. In the meantime, we want to share with you a project by WBUR’s own Barbara Moran and Science Quickly, a podcast from Scientific American. If you’re a regular listener of The...
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Rewind: 60 is the new 50, and other thoughts on finding yourself at any age
Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives. Seniors are healthier, better educated and living longer than in generations past. In his series "The Third Act," WBUR Senior Political...
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Rewind: A piece of home in Dorchester's Little Saigon
Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives. Boston Little Saigon is one of the city’s four official cultural districts as designated by the state. Located in Fields Corner in...
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Rewind: Boston's untold Black history
Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives. Boston is known for its host of historic landmarks, such as the Boston Tea Party and the USS Constitution, but there are also many...
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Rewind: That application fee your landlord charged you might be illegal
Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives. Massachusetts is one of only two states where it's illegal for landlords to charge an application fee to perspective renters. Even so,...
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Rewind: The Common's adventure with Jed
Team Common is currently working on our transition to a weekly show. We’ll be back this summer with new episodes. In the meantime, here’s one from our archives. We're big fans of trains here at The Common. And so is (formerly) Boston-based TikTok creator @jeddeo1, known for his deadpanned MBTA...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.
HOSTED BY
WBUR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Common have?
The Common currently has 488 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Common about?
Greater Boston’s weekly podcast where news and culture meet.
How often does The Common release new episodes?
The Common publishes regularly with 488 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Common?
You can listen to The Common on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Common?
The Common is created and hosted by WBUR.
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